The word “flourish” in Psalm one is a botanical metaphor. My husband grew up on a farm and recently explained that a flourishing garden or crop requires preparing the soil. Seeds then need to be planted at the right time. The correct amount of sunlight and water is vital as well. Weeds will creep in and threaten to overcrowd the garden. These must be removed regularly before they choke the life and vitality of the rest of the garden. 

Our landlord for twenty years in Portugal had what most Americans call a “green thumb.” Everything he planted flourished. Living in a part of their home, we always enjoyed walking past his garden and well-cared-for yard. We did no work ourselves but were blessed by his knowledge and hard work. He was a gracious and kind man who often invited us to partake of the produce he planted. 

A quick look at an online thesaurus reveals several synonyms for the word “flourish,” including “prosper” and “thrive.” As you can well imagine, these words can be applied to our spiritual lives. To prosper, our hearts must be prepared. The seeds of the Word must be planted, and the garden of our hearts must be tended, not ignored. Weeds of sin must be removed before they choke out the fruit God wants us to bear. 

In chapter two of “Everyday Faithfulness” by Glenna Marshall, the author notes that a tree does not get to pick its own fruit. It does not enjoy the bounty that grows from its steady nourishment. “When we are equipped by God’s Word for every good work, the other people in our lives get to enjoy the fruit.” (page 43) As we grow and flourish, the benefit is just as much (or more) for others as for ourselves. The fruit God brings is a gift to others in our faith communities.